I really love granola, but it can be one of those really sneaky foods that packs a lot of unhealthy fats and lots and lots of sugar. (And it really doesn't need it)
By making your own at home, you can control exactly what goes into it. You can make it with fresh ingredients and make it exactly how you like it.
I have seen some granola recipes that involve a lot of tossing and turning and pulling things in and out of the oven. It seems silly to complain, but that can seem like a lot of work, right?
Simple Granola
Ingredients:
2 cups raw, whole rolled oats (aka old fashion oats) I used half rolled oats and half steel cut
½ cup raw nuts, chopped I used almonds, but you can use cashews or pecans - anything really
¼ cup raw seeds (sunflower or pumpkin seeds are great) I used 1/4 of both - because YUM!
½ cup unsweetened dried fruit, chopped (optional)
2-3 tablespoons grade-b maple syrup or raw honey (or a combo of both)
2 tbsp virgin coconut oil or other healthy cooking oil
½ tsp vanilla extract or almond extract
1 large pinch fine sea salt
Directions:
Preheat the oven to 300º F.
Combine all ingredients in a mixing bowl and use your clean hands to mix well and toss to coat; it will be sticky and messy but that’s the fun part. This is a great recipe for kids to help because the measurements don't have to be anywhere close to exact and there is lots of hands-on fun!
** The coconut oil might be liquid or solid depending on the temperature of the room you are in (it has a melting point of about 75ºF.) Your hands will warm it up and melt it into the mixture if it’s solid, just be sure to mix it all through the other ingredients so there aren’t any chunks of oil left. **
Spread the mixture in a thin layer on a baking sheet and bake for 10 minutes, until very lightly toasted.
Cool before serving or storing.
This granola can be kept in an airtight container in a cool, dry place for up to 2 weeks.
